INVITING THE WORLD’S BEST & BRIGHTEST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE THE REAL SAUDI ARABIA

THE KINGDOM IS CHANGING

What is Gateway KSA?

Gateway KSA throws open the door to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, giving today’s best and brightest students the chance to experience this evolving global powerhouse from a unique perspective.
Successful applicants spend nine intensive days exploring the country together, encountering everything from millennia-old archaeological sites to cutting-edge science and research facilities. Combining open discussions, lectures, reading and site visits, Gateway KSA offers students a multifaceted approach to learning, driven by authentic, real world experiences.
Participants have the opportunity to interact with both Saudis and local internationals, discussing everything from history, literature and scientific progress to geopolitics, Islam and the future of energy. The goal of this fully funded tour is to foster understanding and two-way connections between international students and future influencers in the Kingdom and abroad.

CONNECT TO OPPORTUNITY

Who is Gateway KSA for?

We’re looking for the influencers, policymakers and leaders of tomorrow. Young men and women who can see beyond today’s headlines and tweets to imagine and shape a future of openness, collaboration and innovation together.
The program invites a small and diverse cohort of exceptional students from elite universities to undertake a personal learning journey. Along the way, participants connect deeply with peers from around the world while developing friendships and contacts within the Kingdom.
Gateway KSA offers a unique opportunity for next-generation leaders to engage firsthand with Saudis uncovering a world of both tradition and transition, and challenging each other to learn more about themselves and this vibrant country’s ambitious young population.

TACKLE PREJUDICE
WITH KNOWLEDGE

Key areas of discovery

Click the hotspots on the map to view the itinerary

RIYADH

Site of heritage, seat of power

The Kingdom’s capital balances the inevitable glass and steel of a modern metropolis with the elegance of grand marbled mosques. This global city is also home to the Diriyah district’s UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as Gateway KSA’s partner, the King Faisal Center.
Our historical focus takes in King Abdul Aziz Palace and Masmak Fort—storied birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia.

AL'ULA

Ancient oasis of wonder

A key stop on the Incense Route, this 2000-year-old city was built by the remarkable Nabataeans and includes Mada’in Saleh, an archaeological marvel carved out of sheer sandstone. The mysterious tribe made it their second city after Raqmu (now Petra) in Jordan. Mada’in Saleh is less famous but no less spectacular.
A wonderful experience, exploring the extraordinary canyons on a dawn safari, later setting up camp in the desert.

JEDDAH

Open and looking forward

A hub of commerce and gateway to Islam’s holiest city, Mecca, the Kingdom’s second city is renowned for its more relaxed culture as befits a seaside resort. Recently, the city has also won global plaudits for research through the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), home to a marine sanctuary.
As well as KAUST and the Al-Tayebat Museum of civilisation, a boat trip and snorkelling reveal the Red Sea’s beauty.

DAMMAM

Nexus of the energy industry

In the mid-twentieth century, after oil fields were discovered, the city was at the centre of the state’s building boom. It remains a major centre for the industry and a key location for Saudi Aramco, the most valuable company in the world.
Students visit Aramco’s King Abulaziz Center for World Culture which aims to energise the knowledge economy, witness the remarkable work Aramco is doing in renewable energy and visit the oil fields themselves. The trip also includes trip to Scitech, a science and technology centre encouraging future innovation.

RIYADH

AL'ULA

JEDDAH

DAMMAM

APPLICANTS

Gateway KSA works in collaboration with a number of carefully selected universities and organisations across the world to deliver each of our programs. We are currently only able to offer trips to students and members of the following universities and organisations:

APPLY HERE

We are always looking to expand the reach of the Gateway KSA program so do check back regularly as your university or organisation may be added soon.

Singularity University
National Council on U.S.- Arab Relations
Studenstiftung des deutschen Volkes
London film academy

The GATEWAY Program

This program offers students key areas of exploration including Saudi Vision 2030, oil and renewable energy, women’s rights and Islam.

His Majesty King Faisal Program

The King Faisal program is for aspiring statesman/women and diplomatic leaders focusing on Saudi’s geo-political role in the region and internationally.

His Majesty King Salman Program

The King Salman program invites exemplary young leaders committed to solving the world’s pressing problems and inspiring those around them to create a better world.

HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Program

The HRH MBS program is for enterprising young visionaries that are dedicated to a sustainable future through their innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Program

The HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal program has a strong focus on Saudi’s national Security and Intelligence and combating the threat of terrorism globally.

Business Program

The Business Program invites Business school students to discover the business opportunities in the Kingdom and build synergies with the local business community.

Cultural Program

The Cultural program brings together leaders in film, music, and arts and immerses them with Saudi culture to advance cross-cultural creativity.

GENERAL PROGRAMS

DISTINGUISHED PROGRAMS

• The GATEWAY Program

• His Majesty King Faisal Program

• His Majesty King Salman Program

• HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Program

• HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Program

• Business Program

• Cultural Program

OPENING THE DOOR TO POSSIBILITY

The organisations behind Gateway KSA

The complete trip is free for those accepted, made possible by Iyadine and the King Faisal Center for
Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS).

Iyadine works with aspirational governments, businesses, NGOs and non-profits that believe in the
potential to create change and spark purpose-driven movements through strategic communication
initiatives. Driven by the millennial generation, Iyadine creates projects that solve real problems.

KFCRIS supports and develops research and studies that spread King Faisal’s vision by expanding
knowledge on topics such as Islamic studies, politics, sociology and heritage. The centre has become
a regional focal point for cultural and intellectual enlightenment.

NELLEKE VAN ZANDVOORT-QUISPEL

Founder & CEO

Nelleke is a Dutch & Australian national and a Melbourne University & Kings College graduate in Media & Communications. She began her career working for the holding company of Formula E, managing investor relations and marketing initiatives. She went on to work for a London based Hedge fund and Private Equity firm before conceiving Gateway KSA. Now as founder and CEO, she oversees all aspects of the initiative and is dedicated to driving its success.

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud currently serves as the Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies, and as partner in the Gateway KSA initiative. He was previously director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency and subsequently served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and USA.

HRH PRINCE TURKI AL FAISAL AL SAUD

Chairman of the King Faisal Center

EXECUTIVE TEAM

KASHYA NATHAN

COO

Kashya is Malaysian by origin, but spent most of her life living abroad. She was educated in Switzerland and holds a Bachelor in International Relations and Masters in International Business. She has extensive experience leading projects for an INGO in financial inclusion and NGO in the Health Care sector. She currently serves as COO for Gateway KSA.

HRH currently serves as the Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies, and as partner in the GatewayKSA initiative. He was previously director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency and subsequently served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and USA.

HRH PRINCE TURKI AL FAISAL AL SAUD

Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies

EXECUTIVE TEAM

BE PART OF THE CHANGE

Get in touch

Gateway KSA supports Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision by
cultivating grassroots activity around the world, helping
change the perception of the Kingdom among those
who can most influence the future.
If you see your purpose as connecting people and
shaping the conversation, we’d like to hear from you.
More details on the applications process coming soon.